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White Sox finalizing deal with Barnum

White Sox finalizing deal with Barnum

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White Sox draft 1B Barnum No. 48 1:06

Club representative Ron Karkovice selects first baseman Keon Barnum with the 48th pick of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft

By Scott Merkin
/
MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- Keon Barnum, selected by the White Sox in the Compensation Round A portion of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft as compensation for free agent Mark Buehrle going to the Marlins, will sign with the White Sox for $950,000 according to a baseball source and MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo.

That $950,000 is just below the assigned pick value of $1,052,500 for pick No. 48. The left-handed Barnum, who checks in at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, will be looked at as a first baseman but possibly could see time in the outfield and was in Arizona on Monday for his physical.

This talented high-school player has drawn comparisons to both Fred McGriff and Ryan Howard. During a conference call last week to talk about Barnum and Courtney Hawkins, the organization's top pick at No. 13 and also a high-school selection, White Sox director of amateur scouting Doug Laumann indicated Barnum's negotiations would be quick.

"I believe so," said Laumann, when asked if he thought Barnum was close to signing. "There's a lot that plays into this, but we've done quite a bit of homework and quite a bit of foundation has been laid."

Barnum verbally committed to Miami and also was recruited by South Florida, Florida International and Central Florida, setting a school record with a .491 average as a junior for King High School in Tampa, Fla.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.